Mo Williams Will Opt out of Blazers Deal, Hopes to Re-Sign in Portland Long Term

His role as Portland's electric sixth man is great. His current contract—a $2.7 million player option for next season, via ShamSports.com—is not so much.

He's reportedly planning to ditch the latter, with every intent of holding onto the former.

According to Comcast SportsNet's Chris Haynes, Williams plans to opt out of his current deal and become an unrestricted free agent at season's end—but he hopes his next destination will be the same as his present home.

"I would like to be here long term," he said, via Haynes. "My goal is to work something out with Portland this summer. I like it here, and I want to make this place home."

If you can get past the constant rain showers, there's plenty to like about Portland.

The Blazers are the top show in town as the city's only member of the big-four sports leagues. Head coach Terry Stotts is a brilliant mind who gives his gunners a green light from all over the floor. The roster is loaded with young talent, a group that the 11-year veteran said fits as well together as any that he's seen:

With our team, we have a makeup of individuals that do something really, really good, and when we mesh together, it’s like gumbo. That’s the best example I can give you of our team. Some teams have a dish where you got your steak, potatoes and asparagus. We’re gumbo. Without one of the ingredients, the gumbo just doesn’t taste well. But when everything is in that pot, it’s just like grandma did it.

If Williams really has a thing for Portland, that feeling might be mutual. The 31-year-old is supremely gifted for a backup point guard. When his offense clicks along with this already potent group, the Blazers (27-9) elevate their game to new heights:

It will be interesting, though, to see just how much money Williams is seeking.

The Blazers won't want to tie their financial books too tightly. Starters LaMarcus Aldridge, Wesley Matthews and Robin Lopez all have one season left on their current deals. Sophomore Damian Lillard, the player Williams backs up, and rookie C.J. McCollum, a high-upside combo guard, could be in line for substantial raises when their rookie contracts expire.

Hopefully, the Blazers are just like Williams. If they know how to spot a good thing, then the journeyman may have found his permanent hoops home.